A powerful musical reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature, technology and the world we are leaving behind.

With Endpoint, Finnish jazz septet The Watercolors presents an evocative and thought-provoking album that brings together the lyricism of European classical music and the expressive freedom of contemporary jazz. Led by oboist and composer Janne Saarinen, the ensemble creates a distinctive musical universe in which delicate textures, rich string arrangements and adventurous improvisation meet.

At the heart of Endpoint lies a deeply personal concern about the growing distance between humanity and the natural world. Reflecting on environmental destruction, overconsumption and our increasing dependence on technology, Saarinen questions the direction of modern society and the consequences of losing our connection with nature. Yet beyond its urgent message, the album also offers an invitation to rediscover the beauty and significance of the natural world that still surrounds us.

The Watercolors approaches these themes through an unusual and compelling instrumentation. Saarinen’s oboe and cor anglais intertwine with the expressive string voices of violinist Aino Rautakorpi, violist Helena Dumell and cellist Saara Viika. The shimmering colours of Ilkka Uksila’s marimba and vibraphone, together with Joonas Tuuri’s double bass and Joonas Leppänen’s drums and percussion, create a richly layered sound that moves effortlessly between intimate chamber music, atmospheric soundscapes and the rhythmic vitality of modern jazz.

Across eight original compositions, from the flowing Stream of Dreams and the atmospheric Ice Blue to the expansive Chant and the album’s title piece, Endpoint unfolds as a musical journey filled with contrasts, subtle details and emotional depth. The ensemble’s refined interplay allows each instrument to contribute its own voice while remaining part of a cohesive musical narrative.

Originally formed in 2018, The Watercolors has evolved from a trio into a seven-piece ensemble, continuously expanding its artistic possibilities. With Endpoint, the group further explores the meeting point of jazz and classical traditions, embracing the aesthetics of Third Stream while developing a sound that is unmistakably its own.

Both contemplative and urgent, Endpoint is more than a collection of compositions. It is a musical statement about the fragility of our environment, the choices we make and the importance of appreciating what remains.